Nationals Tickets 9% More Expensive Than Season Average for Series Against Pirates

For most of the season the Washington Nationals have been one of the biggest underachievers in the league. For the second straight year they were considered top World Series contenders in the National League, but had failed to separate themselves in the standings despite a top run differential. Now that run differential is tied for second in the league at +89, and the Nationals have a six game lead in their division. The Pittsburgh Pirates are the next team on the Nationals schedule, and they need to win the series more than the Nats. The Pirates are just a game up on the San Francisco Giants for the final wild card spot in the NL. Nationals tickets are averaging $46.86 for the series, which is nine percent higher than their season average.
8/15 PIT Charlie Morton vs. WAS Tanner Roark | Avg. Price: $53.03 | Get-in Price: $18

On another team Tanner Roark would probably be considered the staff’s ace – he has a 2.86 ERA, an 11-7 record, and a 2.3 WAR. But on the Nationals he’s probably their third best pitcher at most. The average price for Nationals vs Pirates tickets Friday night is $53.03 and the get-in price is $18.

Fans looking to attend Saturday’s game will also get a free concert afterwards, with Martina McBride scheduled to play at Nationals Park. It’s the reason the game is the most expensive of the series with a $59.55 average and $22 get-in price. Gio Gonzalez starts for the Nationals, and he is having one of his worst seasons. His ERA has actually climbed up to 4.00 at this point, despite a FIP if 3.17 that is actually pretty good.

The final game of the series is easily the cheapest with a $28 average price and a $8 get-in. Doug Fister starts for the Nationals, and while he might not be the team’s most exciting starter, he’s been one of their most effective. He leads the team with a 2.34 ERA, and easily has the best walk rate of the staff. But he also easily has the worst FIP and WAR on the team, and the lowest strikeout figures.